Morris Major Series II
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Manufacturer |
British Motor Corporation (Australia) |
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Also called |
Austin Lancer |
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Production |
1959-1962 |
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Assembly |
Victoria Park, Australia |
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Class |
Motor car |
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Body style |
4-door sedan |
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Layout |
FR layout |
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Engine |
BMC B-Series engine, 1489 & 1622 cc |
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Transmission |
4-speed manual, synchromesh on 2,3 & 4 |
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Wheelbase |
92 in (2,300 mm) |
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Length |
161 in (4,100 mm) |
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Width |
61 in (1,500 mm) |
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Curb weight |
up to 940 kg (2,072 lb) |
The Morris Major Series II are passenger car models which were produced by the B.M.C. of Australia between 1959 and 1962.
History
Because development expenditures were not assigned to them and numerous common parts were used, the Morris Major and Austin Lancer of the first series sold successfully and profitably. Nonetheless, BMC moved fast to invest in a substantial update to the car, the Series II, which is expected to prove even more popular with buyers. The Australian twins differed greatly from their English sister models as a result of the alteration. They were 9" longer on the outside, contributing to a larger wheelbase, and received tail fins, a revised vehicle front, and a modified oil sump to provide more ground clearance for Australian roads.
The styling of the Series II designated as DO1115 was inspired by American ideas and many thought that it helped the cars to look better. Many changes were made to the original design and most should help to better adapt the cars to the harsh Australian road conditions and their competitiveness over the biggest competitors.
Wheel suspensions and suspension were strengthened, front seat was a seat instead of the previous individual seats installed, there were new air outlets for heating and ventilation and a new dashboard. Also, the rear axle of the Series I (a construction by Morris Minor, who did not cope well with the motor) was described as too weak. Axle and differential were thus reinforced, but unfortunately the difficulties with these components in Series I already spoiled the reputation of the model and its manufacturer. The Series II engines were equipped with a single SU-HS2 carburetor and a SU fuel pump and got another oil pan, which provided more ground clearance. The Series II was praised by the engine press because of the many detail improvements, the better handling characteristics and the good price-performance ratio.
